WICKER PARK — We've got you covered with plenty of ways to imbibe and enjoy the fall weekend in the Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town areas:
Friday
Try Tocayo, Modelo Maker's New Craft Beer: Tocayo, a pale golden ale, is now available on draft at Rick Bayless' Xoco in Wicker Park after tapping its first keg on Thursday. A partnership between Bayless and Constellation Brands (makers of Modelo, Corona), the hominy white ale is spiced with coriander and orange peel. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. Xoco Wicker Park, 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Eat Chili for a Good Cause: Chefs from local bars and restaurants are teaming up in a chili cook-off, with proceeds going to a Wicker Park nonprofit group that plans to deliver 325 baskets of food and toys to families in need this holiday season. Tickets cost $15 online or $20 at the door, and include a bottomless all-you-can-eat bowl of chili, drink specials, raffles and more. From 5 to 9 p.m., Bucktown Pub, 1658 W. Cortland St.
Get Your Bluegrass Groove On at Double Door: Reporter Alisa Hauser saw Split Lip Rayfield perform at the now defunct Metro Music fest in Logan Square and tries to catch the Wichita-Kansas based acoustic jam band whenever they are in town, like at a memorable 2008 Empty Bottle show that a reviewer said had "imperfectly great harmonies." Oh, and there is a gas tank turned into an upright bass, too! Tickets are $15 in advance; doors open at 8 p.m. Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Saturday
Shop for Jewelry, Hand-Crafted Goods: Pop by a monthly indoor Handmade Market to peruse unique wares from over 30 venders packing the venerable Empty Bottle music club, which will offer drink specials, too. The market runs from noon to 4 p.m., 1035 N. Western Ave.
Take Your Kids to the Circus: The Midnight Circus pops by Smith Park, offering four family-friendly shows. Proceeds from tickets ($15 for kids/$20 for adults) benefit park improvements. Performances are at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2526 W. Grand Ave. in West Town.
A scene from the Midnight Circus' recent Wicker Park stop. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Sunday
Catch the Farmers Market While You Still Can: From squash and gourds to sweet potatoes, the market's array of produce now includes fall favorites too. Score fresh veggies, meats, eggs, pastries, pasta, fruit, jam, coffee from Half-Wit Roasters, and fresh crepes made onsite. Wicker Park Farmers Market, every Sunday in the park through October 25. See the full vendor list. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Laugh the Sunday Blues Away: Start your week off laughing with "an all-star lineup of Chicago’s absolute favorite and funniest comedians," organizers promise. Headlined by Adam Burke, awarded Chicago Reader's "Best Stand-Up Comic," the free show will include a half dozen other joke tellers too. From 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuxedo Cat Comedy, Innertown Pub, 1935 W. Thomas St.
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